2020 Bordeaux > Madrid

14 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Bordeaux

Welcome to Bordeaux. Your friendly crew will welcome you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond for your cruise through France’s southwestern pocket.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Bordeaux > Saint-Émilion

Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as you cruise into the beautiful 13th century port of Libourne. While cruising, perhaps drop into Scenic Culinaire for a French cooking class. Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, a visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. You’ll also get to explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church – a true trip highlight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Libourne > Pauillac

Freechoice

Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-houses and Gothic church. Alternatively, explore the estate of Château de La Rivière with a wine tasting or, if you’re feeling more active join a bike tour through the region to the estate, or view the eclectic city of Bergerac and enjoy a foie gras tasting at a charming local farm.

During your afternoon at leisure, opt to enhance your culinary prowess in Scenic Culinaire or simply take in the riverside panoramas while cruising to Pauillac.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Médoc

Freechoice

Travel the scenic Médoc wine route and discover why this region is viewed as the world’s leading red wine producer. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at a local estate. Alternatively, cycle through the region to a grand château and sample delicious wine produced on the estate.

Enrich

Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d’Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century, the Château is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region and is the venue for your unforgettable evening concert. Soak in the ambience of this magnificent property as live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Pauillac > Cadillac

Soak in the vistas as you cruise on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond past the picturesque landscapes of the Garonne River into Cadillac, some of the most beautiful scenic cruising in the Bordeaux region. While on board, you may choose to further develop your cooking skills with a lesson in Scenic Culinaire. Tonight, this remarkable space comes to life when fabulous local entertainers perform live in the Panorama Lounge for a night of entertainment.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Cadillac

Freechoice

This morning, venture into the Sauternes region for a tasting of the prestigious Château Guiraud dessert wines. Alternatively, cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Class estate of Château Myrat for a tasting.

Freechoice

This afternoon visit Roquetaillade Castle; founded by Charlemagne, it’s one of the region’s most impressive historic sites, and you’ll tour it with the family that now lives within its walls. Alternatively, visit a truffle farm and sample the delicious regional delicacy, or perhaps enjoy a 12 kilometre roundtrip hike from Cadillac to the village of Loupiac.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Bordeaux

Freechoice

Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire afterwards. Or, enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions. For the more energetic, cycle the historic regions of Bordeaux. Cross beautiful bridges to witness sites such as the Royal Gate and the Palais Rohan, before cycling through public gardens back to the luxury of your floating hotel.

Back on board your Cruise Director will organise a special treat for you, with a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay. Spend the afternoon at leisure to immerse yourself in the culture of the Bordelais. Tonight enjoy a special dinner on board showcasing regional delicacies before an illuminations cruise on the Garonne River. A fabulous local soloist will perform live in the Panorama Lounge to round off a magical evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Arcachon > Bourg

Situated on the northern tip of Europe’s longest coastal beach, Arcachon is the jewel of France’s western coastline.

Freechoice

Journey to Arcachon and join a walking tour including a visit to the local Baltard market, or climb Europe’s largest sand dune and take in the expansive panoramas. Alternatively, stay in Bordeaux and take a tram to the Cité du Vin museum and enjoy an interactive journey of wine discovery.

This afternoon, if you fancy something sweet, stay on board and enjoy a fabulous chocolate and wine-pairing event. Later, take a leisurely cruise into Bourg, perhaps join a masterclass in French cooking during Scenic Culinaire. Tonight enjoy a lively jazz performance on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Cognac

Today explore the unique northern shores of the Gironde Estuary.

Freechoice

Discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle and visit the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and see the immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively, spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, renowned for its production of fine brandy and afterwards, enjoy a tasting at the acclaimed property of Rémy Martin.

This afternoon, unwind on the Sun Deck, cruising on the Gironde River into the historic port of Blaye.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Blaye > Bordeaux

Discover the remarkable Blaye region, established to protect the Bordeaux region from invasion.

Freechoice

Stroll through the charming Citadel of Blaye, or take a more active walk throughout the town. Alternatively, join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road, which is named in honour of the WWI Captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century. Or, explore the stunning beauty of the fairytale Château de La Roche Courbon. This fortified castle was originally built in the 15th century and is surrounded by magnificently manicured gardens.

Later, enjoy a cooking class in Scenic Culinaire or simply relax on board as we cruise past beautiful uninhabited islands, bound for Bordeaux. Dine at the Captain’s farewell dinner on board this evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Bordeaux > Madrid

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux Airport for your included flight to Madrid. On arrival transfer to your luxurious hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Madrid

Enjoy a tour of Madrid, including the 17th century Austrian Quarter, the Sabatini Gardens and the famous Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains.

Freechoice

This afternoon, you can choose between a visit of the exceptional Prado Museum, renowned as one of the best museums in the world or a visit of the equally delightful 18th century Royal Palace of Madrid.

Day 13 - Madrid

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Spain’s largest city. Stroll the fashionable boutiques that adorn the city centre’s many plazas, relax in one of Madrid’s manicured gardens or simply explore the surrounding area.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Madrid

After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport with memories of a truly unforgettable journey.